Prince Henrik, the husband of Denmark's Queen Margrethe, is retiring.
In her annual New Year's speech, the monarch announced the 81-year-old prince consort will "only to a very limited extent partake in the official events, which for so many years have been a natural part of his life".
Margrethe, 75, said "it is his decision, which I understand and respect. I am deeply grateful for all the support, help and inspiration he has given me over the years."
She married Henrik, a French diplomat, in 1967. The couple has two sons, Crown Prince Frederik, who is married to Princess Mary and Prince Joachim, and eight grandchildren.
Margrethe, whose powers are largely ceremonial, said she will continue "to carry out my duties with the support of my husband, though it will be less visible".
